Santiago Discovery And Galician Tapas

Spend the day in cosmopolitan Santiago de Compostela, which gained fame in medieval times as a pilgrimage site for the faithful who came to visit the tomb of Saint James. Depart from the pier and begin driving into Spain's northwestern interior to Santiago de Compostela, a city so architecturally rich it's now deemed a World Heritage Site. The marquee attraction is undeniably the Cathedral, home to the relics of Saint James. Despite its Baroque façade, the cathedral boasts a spectacular predominately Romanesque interior. It took more than 150 years to build, finally being completed in 1211. There are so many inspiring features, including the largest cloisters in Spain, a sacred carving where countless pilgrims have worn five deep indentations in the marble with their fingers, and of course the silver coffer that holds the saint's relics. Four magnificent squares surround the Cathedral, and you'll have time to explore them in detail, as part of your guided walking tour and then on your own. The squares are graced by fountains, framed by historic buildings, and replete with shops. No matter where you venture in Santiago de Compostela, the setting is phenomenal. That is especially true of the historic hotel where you’ll enjoy a delicious Galician tapas experience, sampling a variety of regional small plates that highlight the culinary heritage of Galicia. In fact, the luxurious Parador de los Reyes Catolicos is a Spanish national monument and considered to be the world's oldest hotel. After your tapas experience, you will have free time to enter the Cathedral on your own, or continue exploring the historic heart of Santiago at your leisure. When the time comes, enjoy a scenic and relaxing drive back to the pier.